The Illinois Manufacturers' Association was founded in 1893 by a group of seven businessmen concerned that state lawmakers would enact legislation curtailing the number of hours women could work in Illinois. From those humble beginnings, the IMA has grown to be the oldest and largest state advocacy association for industry in the United States with more than 4,000 members. Eighty-five percent of Illinois' 670,000 manufacturing workers are employed by the member companies of the IMA. From corporate giants like Boeing, Caterpillar and Deere to the smallest family owned and operated enterprises, the IMA is the "Voice of Industry" in Illinois.